Taxidermy Truths

There’s nothing worse than having the adventure of a lifetime in Africa, only to have the memory tainted by a mount you’re not quite happy with.
That’s why choosing the right pose for your taxidermy is so important.
In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug discusses different mount types, angles of turn, and the key considerations when deciding how you want your animal posed.
If you’re planning your taxidermy or dreaming about your next safari, give this one a listen.

A great safari starts well before you set foot in camp.
In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug chats with Trey Sperring from Neal and Brownlee about the value a booking agent brings - from helping you choose the right outfitter to offering guidance before, during and after your hunt.
They discuss why firsthand knowledge matters, what a booking agent actually does behind the scenes, and how the right advice can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your safari.
If you're planning an African hunt or have wondered about the role of a booking agent, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

The US shows in 2026 confirmed it: the hunting industry is alive and thriving.
A renewed energy is evident, with hunters young and old continuing to invest in wildlife across Africa and beyond.
Doug recently attended DSC and SCI in Atlanta and Nashville. In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, he shares insights from the show floor and what lies ahead for the 2026 season.

Conservation by the Bullet.
A recent article published in the Daily Maverick, highlighting the numbers of hunted animals in South Africa has sparked debate over the last few weeks. 
In this episode of Taxidermy Truths – rather than negating the viewpoint, Doug draws a comparison between the hunting industry and the Mohair industry, to highlight the similarities in conservation outcome and economic impact on South Africa. 
This is the outlook of the hunter, the taxidermist and the industry that adds tremendous value to conservation of wildlife in South Africa.

2025 has been an incredible year in the hunting industry, in South Africa and across the world. 
In this year’s the final episode of Taxidermy Truths – Doug provides us with a wrap up of 2025.
From tariffs and legalities to increasing hunting numbers and advances in technology, Doug unpacks some of the challenges and wins over the last year. 
To every listener, partner or follower – we are grateful for your incredible support. We can’t wait to bring you more stories, more information and more Taxidermy Truths in 2026.

Small skulls that are making a big impact on the hunting industry. 
On this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug sits down with the team from Skullies. 
Skullies create exact replicas of real skulls – in miniature, making them the ultimate safari souvenir.
The team from Skullies share what they have learnt over the last few years as the brand has grown and developed. They discuss the ever-changing 3D technology and the process of creating these incredible products from start to finish. Learn more about the inspiration for the collection and how you can create your own custom mini skulls.  
Little skulls and big dreams – you don’t want to miss this.

Tagging might seem like a small step in the hunting and taxidermy process - but it’s one of the most critical.
From the moment an animal is harvested, every part must be tagged correctly: species, body part, and the hunter’s full name. Proper tagging not only ensures that trophies are legally compliant for export, but also that each hunter receives their correct memories back.
But tagging doesn’t stop in the field. In today’s digital age, how we “tag” our hunting photos online matters just as much. Thoughtful, respectful sharing reflects both the ethics and heritage of hunting. 
In this episode of Taxidermy Truths, Doug unpacks both sides of tagging - the physical process that keeps everything above board, and the digital one that shapes how hunting is seen around the world.
Tune in and learn how to get the tagging right - in the field, and online.

We are wrapping up Heritage month in South Africa – and we’re excited to launch the third episode of our Only in SA series on Taxidermy Truths. 
South Africa has a culture of service, epitomized by the gentlemen at our gas stations that help us get back on the road safely. In this episode, Doug chats to a man with a uniquely South African occupation. Morren is a petrol attendant with a love for people and a heart of gold. 
This one will put a smile on your face – don’t miss it!

This week on Taxidermy Truths, we are diving into part 2 of our Only in South Africa series. 
If you have hunted in South Africa, you would have been accompanied by the incredible men of the bush that are able to spot an animal from miles away, expertly follow their movements and handle the quarry with absolute care once the animal is down. Doug chats to Melikhaya Faxi, a seasoned tracker and skinner, to understand a bit more about his role in the hunting experience in South Africa.

Only in South Africa!  
This episode of Taxidermy Truths is something a bit different. 
Doug steps out of the taxidermy and into the taxi and chats to a South African taxi driver. The driving force behind the South African economy – taxis enable millions of South Africans to get to their places of work each day. 
Come along for a bit of perspective and a few laughs – this is one you don’t want to miss.